Community services renames division

Cambridge Times

The city’s community services department has renamed one of its divisions to better reflect the work it is doing.

The former facilities management and development division is now the sustainable design and development division. It will take the lead role in facility development and LEED certification of city-owned buildings, champion tree planting and environmental stewardship initiatives, do capital planning and infrastructure renewal, take responsibility for park design and landscape renewal, plan subdivision parks and open spaces, and take the lead on the city’s sustainability initiatives.

Community services commissioner Kent McVittie said the new title better reflects what employees do.

“Staff in this division occasionally provide advice on facility maintenance issues, but in reality, has a very limited role in ongoing facility management. That’s not really their job,” he said.

Bob Paul, new director of sustainable design and development, has overseen city projects like Cambridge City Hall, University of Waterloo School of Architecture and Dunfield Theatre Cambridge. He has also tackled infrastructure improvements and energy-conservation efforts on city arenas and Cambridge Public Works on Bishop Street.

The division will also oversee the redevelopment of old Galt Post Office, which will become part of for the Cambridge Libraries.